CasaEma Photos
Business Info
CasaEma Popular Dishes
CASAEMA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like CasaEma
Recommended Reviews - CasaEma
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
I'd heard great things about CasaEma but always hesitated to check it out due to the notorious long line on the weekends and limited parking. Finally made it in for a Friday brunch, with only a few people in line ahead of us. Lucky! The space itself is bright and welcoming. The setup is casual, order at the counter, grab a number and they will bring the food out to your table. The menu concentrates on pastries, coffee and Mexican street food/ inspired brunch items. For drinks, we ordered the horchata matcha and horchata latte, both excellent and well- balanced. For food, we sampled Chicharron, carrot taco, Suadero Chilaquiles, and chori-papa skillet. Everything was delicious, and the tortillas tasted homemade and incredibly fresh. My favorites were the carrot taco and the chilaquiles, both phenomenal! We couldn't leave without something sweet, so we shared the French toast as dessert and grabbed couple pastries for later. The pastries had a unique corn flavor and a denser texture which I really enjoyed. Overall, it's hard to go wrong here. Everything we tried was good. The only real drawbacks are the parking and weekend lines. Otherwise, I'd be here a lot more often.
My sister and I came here 9ish Sunday morning. There was a line but just to the door. When we left later on, the line was out the door. You order first and then find a seat. They had someone making sure tables were cleaned and helping you find a seat if needed. But plenty of seating when we arrived. Parking was a little tricky though. We shared most of the items. Hola Santa French Toast - so good. On Brioche bread. The strawberry compote was amazing and so flavorful. Suadero Chilaquiles - so good!! Large serving. Egg perfectly cooked. Brisket was juicy and full of flavor. Yum! The Guava Empanada was my favorite baked good. The bread was perfect and the filling inside was sweet and a little tart. Loved it. The carrot cake Dona was tasty. A little hint of orange I think. The almond concha was very soft. It was good but the others were better. I got a hot latte and asked for a little horchata flavoring. That was perfect. I feel like it would be too sweet with full horchata flavor. Cantaloupe agua Fresca. Amazing. But I'm a sucker for melon Frescas. I'd def come back here and try some other things. I'd recommend going early if you don't want to wait in a long line. They had indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside because it wasn't too hot yet. It had cute but simple decor.
This award winning Mexican breakfast spot is worth the hype. The parking here is a bit tight on the weekend. It is best to check their social media for guide on where to parking on the weekend. You order at the counter and they give you a number and they will bring the food out to you. There is a water station hidden in the corner, I did not see it until I ask one of the staff for more water and she walk to the corner so now I know. They should have it somewhere else that easier for first timer like me to find it to get more water. The price it is a bit higher but you can tasty the quality difference here.
I had lots of anticipation for this cafe so my expectations were high, but they definitely were met! It was a beautiful cafe with a light atmosphere, and on a weekday it wasn't too crowded! All the food was absolutely amazing. The pastries we tried included: - Horchata berlinesa (a delicious horchata cream inside a cinnamon sugar donut) - Cajeta roll (a cinnamon brioche with goat cheese caramel drizzle) - Peanut butter chocolate mole cookie (a little spicy, a little nutty) Every one of these is so incredible, with rich and memorable flavors. The food was also amazing - my mouth is watering just thinking back to it now! - Mushroom tostada: the mushrooms were thick with a lovely roast, with a spicy sauce that's just hot enough to leave me aware of it. The arugula is a perfect fresh touch on top. - Skillet: I think this one had my favorite flavors, the eggs were so fluffy which paired well with the intense savory flavor. - Chilaquiles: a beautiful bowl with diverse flavors in a huge portion! - Pork belly: my friend got this one and I didn't get to taste it personally, but it was rich and savory with a great portion size as well. I also got a horchata matcha which was not quite as sweet as I expected, but was still delicious. Overall, I loved Casaema and I can't wait to come back to try more!
Casaema was recommended to me by a friend. It's a daytime a Mexican restaurant boasting many accolades such as a Bib Gourmand and James Beard semifinalist. I was certainly excited to try to hopefully add a new brunch place to my rotation. We came early Saturday morning. The space and parking lot is quite small but they recently opened an offsite lot. The weather was cold when we went so I opted for a hot horchata latte. It was absolutely delicious. The cinnamon wasn't overpowering and it wasn't too sweet. My friend and I ordered a bunch of things to share. We ordered the elote muffin, horchata-filled berlinesa, the guava and lime donut, and guava and cheese empanada. I normally don't like cream-filled donuts but the berlinesa was apparently THE pastry to try. The donut was fluffy and the cream filling wasn't too heavy and you can really taste the horchata. We ordered the arugula avocado salad, suadero chilaquiles, and the chicharron. The chilaquiles were amazing! You get the perfect bite with the tender brisket, runny egg, salsa, homemade queso fresco, and tortilla chip. I'd definitely order this again next time I come. The chicharron was another great item. It comes with tortillas and beans to make a taco. Overall, we left super satisfied and will happily come back again!
Upon first glance, there is a huge line outside the door, and that's when I knew I was in for a phenomenal meal. This small spot, with counter order service, fills every void you might have had. Frankly, I was extra grateful for the line as it definitely gave us more time to look over the menu. At 12:30pm they were out of some fun pastries, but as seen in the picture that definitely didn't stop us. Every salsa packed with flavor - asking for the tortilla to be drenched with it. The chilaquiles stayed crispy forever which seems like some sort of magic trick. I also got an horchata matcha and it made a cozy drink even more so. Truly worth the wait
Stopped by for brunch and there was a line out the door, we waited about 20 minutes to be seated for two. Portions were just right for one person, so don't expect leftovers. We ordered the chilaquiles and French toast, both were delicious, along with the coffee, though in my opinion the food could've used a bit more salt. We sat outside and I wish there were more umbrellas; once the sun shifted, our table lost its shade and it got pretty hot. Overall, I'd recommend it as a higher end brunch spot.
Small spot but big flavours coming out of here. The way you order then sit is a bit odd at first but staff was friendly and accommodating if you had any questions. I ordered every donut they had pretty much and they were all great. All the other items from the kitchen were excellent as well. Next I go I will leave another review with more detail about the dishes!
Casa Ema is easily one of the most memorable places I have eaten at. It is counter service and it does get busy, but they have a system that completely removes the usual stress. Instead of standing in line wondering where you will sit, someone actually escorts you to a table after you order. It makes the whole place feel organized and welcoming. Parking is limited, but they added extra spots across the street which helps. The food is incredible. We ordered the suadero chilaquiles and the huarache de pollo. Both dishes were packed with flavor. You can taste the quality and the effort in every bite. The chilaquiles had that perfect balance of crispy and saucy. The huarache was fresh, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. The pastries might actually be the real stars. We tried the horchata berlinesa and the guava queso empanada. The berlinesa was unreal. Soft, creamy, sweet, and full of horchata flavor. I am genuinely still thinking about it days later. Casa Ema is one of those spots that leaves a lasting impression. Amazing food, smooth service, and a warm atmosphere. I cannot wait to return.
Heard a lot of great things about this place and it did not disappoint. The papaya salad was simple but delicious with incredibly ripe and fresh papaya. The chilaquiles was super flavorful and the pork belly on the chicharron was perfectly crispy and fatty. We gobbled everything up. The worst thing about this place is the parking. There are not that many spaces in the parking lot for Ema customers so you either have to get lucky or find street parking. read more
1 year ago
I'd kill for a CARROT CAKE CORN DONA ($5) and CHORIZO SWEET POTATO CHEDDAR VOLOVAN ($6.85) from here. The pastries by Stefani are made fresh every single morning and you can taste the love in every bite. The food by Chef Nick is delicious as well and you can taste the quality of ingredients. My favorite dish has been the CHICHARRON ($16 Crispy Pork Belly, Sauteed Pearl Onions, Black Beans, Tortillas). Those black beans were insanely good and don't quote me, but I think they make their queso fresco in house. I'm not even a fan of mole sauce but the PUERCO MOLE ENCHILADAS ($14 Olotillo Blanco Tortillas, Roasted Pork, Mole Negro, Sesame Seeds, Arugula Salad) were delicious and I would order them again. Yes, the food tastes as good as it looks in my photos. And if you haven't tried their sister restaurant downtown, hit up Papalo Taqueria. Their masa is freshly ground there from imported blue corn. Their pork is juicy and crispy, the blue corn tortillas are nutty, and their queso fresco is the freshest I've had. read more
Pork belly was by far my favorite but everything else was really good as well! The coffee was a tad sweet. I also enjoyed the cauliflower I thought the sauce it came with was really good. The french toast wasn't bad and it was super cute. The workers were really nice and even though there was a lot of people we were seated quickly. read more
Sunday morning brunch was a vibe here. I would make sure to come early as they can get busy and there isn't too much seating. You have to order at the counter first before finding a spot to sit down. There are a few spots to park in the lot but mostly street parking. The food was super flavorful and my favorite was the chilaquiles! Everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. It had a cozy and casual feel. I will say the price was a tad expensive at first but once I tasted everything it was well worth it. read more
1 year ago
This is a staple brunch for me, and it *always* hits. It's a super bright, but tight fit area with cute outdoor furniture and plants. There's a little window where you can see into the kitchen, too. My sister and I got the tacos de zanahoria, pipan roja cauliflower, pecan besito, and huarache de pollo. They somehow made cauliflower edible(it was one of my definitely no veggies turned into my fave bite). Highly recommended. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more
Located at an odd spot in the north portion of the Heights near Street Food Thai Kitchen. Parking is almost nonexistent in their parking lot so it would be street parking in an adjacent neighborhood and walking as the most practical option. The restaurant focuses on pastries, drinks, and Mexican street/ breakfast foods courtesy of the same team behind the spot in Finn Hall. Service is pretty much like a Torchy's; you stand in line and order up front and then try to a find a table. This lack of full service does take away a bit from the dining experience and getting a table is a hassle as well when things are busy. Drinks - ordered a horchata matcha; 4/5. Pastries- got a guava and cheese empanada and a strawberry based pastry; 3.5/5. Food- carrot tacos are great; 4.5/5. The torta sandwich was a bit underwhelming; 3/5. The pork belly dish was solid; 4/5. The chilaquiles were also superb; 4.5/5. Overall the food is solid for a Mexican inspired brunch experience. The subpar parking situation outside and seating situation inside takes away a bit from the dining experience. I didn't find the pastries crazy good but I'm also not a huge dessert person. read more
7 months ago
Absolutely phenomenal food. Quick service and great coffee as well. There was a bit of wait on Sunday 11am when we went but still got seated within 40 minutes and got food in 10 minutes or less. Got their seasonal ribs and it was hands down the most amazing flavor, smokiness, and fall off the rib! Ambiance is casual and cozy read more
1 year ago
We came here for Sunday brunch and thought the food was enjoyable overall. It was busy for brunch, and the line was long but it moved fast. They also have someone helping seat you once you order, which is always a nice touch and less stressful than scrambling to find a seat. We ordered a decent spread. For pastries, we tried the rosemary lemon muffin (?), black sesame strawberry roll, and the horchata filled doughnut (?). Not sure on the names since they're not on the website. All of them were decent, not dry, and had prominent flavors. While I liked the black sesame roll, the strawberry flavor overpowered the black sesame. It was good, just not what I wanted. For mains, we had the mushroom tostada and pambazo de puerco. The sandwich was okay...some of the flavors advertised didn't come through. But the mushroom tostada was fantastic. It was bursting with flavor from the red pipian, and had nice plump mushrooms. We also had a pineapple mint agua fresca. It was good! We had a latte too but all the sweetness was at the bottom of the cup. Typical though. I would come back and try more! read more
1 year ago
I guess I didn't leave a review yet so here we are after my second time back. First visit was little later in the afternoon and I know they usually run out of pastries but they had the Horchata Berlin even then, which was delicious. Also loved the mole enchiladas we got the first time. The papaya salad was such a hit we had to get it again. Love this- so simple but with a nice ripe papaya is a perfect refreshing breakfast. Chilaquiles- good, but nothing super exciting. We got it half green half red and tried the chorizo second go around. I wish they had extra hot sauce/salsa on the side for those of us that need a little heat. The carrot taco- simple, would have liked a little more punchy flavour. The chicken on masa- nice mix of warm and cozy with refreshing salad. Matcha tres leches - if you love matcha I think it's a good match. But I still found it tasty after giving it a couple of bites. Would probably try the chicharrones and pork torta if I made another trip out. With more pastries of course! The lot is small so you gotta get in at the right time. Counter service but there is someone at the end who helps with securing table space for you; that was nice! read more
1 year ago
Finally got to try this spot, and it did not disappoint. The Heights isn't usually my go to area for Mexican food, but I put my trust in Michelin for this one and they delivered. Casual set up where you order at the counter, and they bring the food to your table. They also have a large selection of pastries which looked amazing and a variety of teas and coffees. Both times I've visited (weekday lunches), the place was consistently packed. I wouldn't recommend coming with a big group since seating is first come, first served and there aren't many large tables. Here's what I've tried so far: - Suadero Chilaquiles - The suadero was bursting with flavor, and the sauce brought a nice level of spice without being overwhelming. - Pambazo de Puerco - MUST TRY! The pork was insanely flavorful, and the guajillo salsa paired with morita mayo created an explosion of taste. The homemade bread sealed the deal. This dish was a masterpiece and my personal favorite so far. - Huarache de Pollo - Another dish great flavor--the chicken was perfectly cooked and the masa cake was delicious. That said, $13 for such a small simple dish seems a bit much to me. - Piloncillo Chai - Chai and Mexican brown sugar? Say less! This combo was perfection. Sweet, but not overwhelming. The place is spotless, the service is decent, and the food is great. Well deserved Bib Gourmand award. I highly recommend giving it a try! read more
7 months ago
The food was decent, pricey, but decent. What I didn't care for was the seating issues. First problem is entitled people thinking their party of 2 deserves to sit at a 5 person table. So in a way I'm glad there's someone monitoring that. The other issue is that because there's someone monitoring the seating, those of us with kids or strollers can't just go sit while our significant others order for us. You have to wait until you order to be seated. Double edge sword. Probably for the cost alone, I would not return. But it was nice to try at least 1x. read more
1 year ago
I see why this place earned a Michelin bib gourmand! It is busy with a long line to order midday on the weekend but the line moves at a reasonable pace and the staff are helpful in pointing out open tables. Servers are really nice and food comes out fairly quickly considering how busy it is. Pastries are beautiful! The cake donuts are quite tasty. The guava lime corn donut was so unique, the donut batter definitely had a prominent corn flavor similar to cornbread. The guava queso empanada was flaky and the filling was delicious. The coffee menu has some fun items. I really enjoyed the chai, very flavorful! The horchata latte was a little underwhelming, it didn't actually taste like it had any espresso in it. Only milk options are whole milk or oat milk. The French toast is beautiful, the brioche bread is fluffy and hearty. The jam and whipped topping are a nice pairing without being too sweet. The mole enchiladas are super filling and savory, the tortilla tastes homemade and has very nice structural integrity, it holds the meat well! The suadero chilaquiles was my favorite, the tortillas are crisp and thick, the serving is brisket is generous, and the green salsa is a perfect complement. The staff member taking orders also suggested trying it with chicken and red sauce so I'll have to get that next time! I'd love to come back and try the other menu items. There's a small parking lot with street parking close by. read more
We came here on a Sunday afternoon with some friends for a later brunch. The ordering style is casual - order at the counter and find a table to sit at. They recommend family style. The weather was nice so we were luckily able to sit outside- they have 4 or 5 tables outside and looks like they allow dogs too. They had several coffee and pastry items, but I opted for a pineapple agua fresca (delicious and refreshing) and we shared several plates. Chilaquiles: 4/5, decent - nothing to write home about. They were able to sub chicken in for the brisket due to our dietary restrictions, which was nice. Papaya salad - 4/5 - I feel like this is what I have seen a lot of pictures of when I see Ema mentioned, so I wanted to try it. It was okay - what you would expect for some papaya, granola and yogurt. Mussels - 4/5 - wish these had a bit more flavor, but they were good Cauliflower- 5/5 - definitely the best item we got. Mushroom tetela- 4/5 French toast - 4/5 Overall, it was good - but for it being a Michelin bib mention, I think we were expecting a bit more. read more
7 months ago
We sat outside. Great energized vibes. The food is super tasty and delicious with nice performance. I had Tetela mushroom and chilaquiles with Cappuccino and Guava queso empanadas.service is good but very controlling . read more
Enjoyed breakfast here very much. It is not a very large space, it's in the corner of a strip center. It is counter ordering only. There is generally a line out the door to get to the register to order and NO you cannot go hold a table for your party while the others stand in line to order. They have signs asking you not to do this and a dedicated person watching to make sure no one does this. The elote muffin is exquisite!! I could eat a dozen by myself LOL The vibe is bright, clean and a lot of movement, of you are looking for quiet and intimate this is not it. They also have patio seating. It's nice if your not starving because the line is a wait and to find an open table can be a wait also. However, the food is great, the pastry selections are delicious and so are the hot dishes. Enjoy! read more
6 months ago
Food was amazing!! Excellent service, quick and efficient. Top items to order - Horchata Latte - Chicharron(pork belly) very good - Chilaquiles great flavor! Accommodating for kids as well. read more
7 months ago
My God! What a place. Exquisite traditional Mexican flavor with an elevated elegant "chef like" taste. You order at the counter and the food is brought to you. They have an elegant selection of sweet bread. They have a wide coffee selection. I had the cortado which was top notch. Would say their coffee game is excellent. The chilaquiles were exquisite and filling. Home made and authentic yet still a step up from what I had before. Accompanied with a spicy savory chipotle sauce you can add. The french toast was also great. For ambiance, it's a cool relaxing atmosphere but it does get busy! Parking can be a headache as it is not entirely clear what's fair game to park and there are limited spots (3) right next to the place. Must come! read more
1 year ago
I've followed them since they first started as a pop up at urban harvest and I love the recognition they've recently gotten since they've opened up Ema. I've stopped by a few times during lunch and it's usually pretty crowded. The line can be a little slow but the food comes out fast once you order. Drinks: I've pretty much enjoyed most of the drinks they've had here. They usually have a seasonal special on the menu Food: Chilaquiles: 5/5 the flavors are great and the chips stay so crispy even with the sauce Huarache de pollo: 4.5/5 the masa cake wasn't too heavy and the toppings complimented each other so well Chicharron: 4.5/5 the sautéed onions were so good. Pork belly was a little on the fatty side but still enjoyed it Mole enchiladas: 4/5 solid mole but other dishes stand out more to me Papaya salad: 3.5/5 this isn't your Asian papaya salad but more like papaya with yogurt like a fruit bowl I've also had a few of their pastries. I'm not a huge fan of conchas but theirs are the best I've tried. I also enjoyed the guava pasty and horchata berlinesa. Overall, this is a great spot for a lunch catch up or brunch. Customer service has always been helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. I love the flavors and food that they serve here and it's one of my favorite spots to show my friends! read more
10 months ago
I was finally able to try Ema for brunch today, and it was worth the wait! I parked in the very unassuming, shared parking lot 20 minutes before they opened. At that point, there were at least 2 cars already parked. Once they opened at 8am for weekend service, I was the 4th in line to order. I used the 20 minutes in the parking lot to decide what I'd order, which includes the puerco mole enchiladas, piplan rojo cauliflower, and taco de zanahoria. Without a doubt, the carrot taco was my favorite dish. It was savory and the tastes and flavors went extremely well together. The cauliflower was a close second, and included a sauce that had a little kick. All in all, it took about 10 minutes to order and about 12-15 minutes for me to get my to-go bag. Definitely one place I'll try again. read more
I love this spot for coffee or Matcha or brunch!! One of my favorite because it's very close to where I live, and because it's so tasty! The restaurant has a lot of seating but fills up VERY quickly. The space isn't that large, and you have to line up to order drinks and food. If you plan on going with more than 2 people you definitely need to get there fairly early if you would like to sit. There is also not a lot of parking, so you may have to park a few streets over and walk. I love the horchata latte, Matcha latte, the Chilaquiles, Chicharron, and pastries. The food always arrives hot and fresh and is perfect for brunch. Definitely recommend!! read more
My 1st time here and my 1st time trying. Mole verde and OMG that thing is amazing. I had regular Mole before but not the green type. Food here is amazing a bit pricey on the bakery but they are good. Parking is super limited on site but there is a big parking across the street , doesn't have any sign but you can park there and it's free. read more
4 months ago
Wow! Firstly I have to give props to how they move their queue! All though it is a walk up ordering system they have some one seat you after you've ordered, keeping the line moving really quickly. Food was amazing and so were all the drinks we ordered. Everything was super clean and delivered quickly. Special shout out to the chicharrones love loved the flavor profile especially the grilled onions, because it was very strongly lime. As a second gen Mexican can totally give stamp of approval on food!!!!! Sometimes upscale Mexican place totally miss the mark but CasaEma is Michelin recommended for a reason!!! read more
2 years ago
Enjoyed checking out this spot - menu is really interesting. Lots of (what I consider) authentic Mexican options and takes on classics. I ordered their on-special pork belly tacos and they were excellent; super succulent pork in great spices. Biggest win for me personally here is the pastry and coffee drink selection - I was in heaven. Interior is light and airy; somewhere you would want to hang out for a while and catch up with friends. Parking: small lot; be mindful of reserved parking signs read more
Reminds me of the the times I was in Mexico! Everything tastes fresh and the different flavors (like pumpkin salsa) together really work! I got the Chilaquiles and my friend got the mushroom tostada. We also got a selection of pastries due to yelp- and everything was so good it was hard to pick a favorite. They also had a special- coconut tres leches, and I was basically in food heaven. There is a line as it's the new hot spot, but the line moves quick. And once inside it's fast served with friendly staff. read more
After receiving the Bib Gourmand from Michelin, we had to check out Ema. So I took my wife for her birthday breakfast. It is order at the counter, which surprised us. We ordered a big selection of the pastries (all of which were delicious), chilaquiles, another entrée I cannot remember that had eggs, and the Horchata Latte. Everything was delicious. Service was great. Glad to have this neighborhood gem in the Heights. Only issues is the parking. We were lucky we went on a Tuesday morning, so there was not a line and there was a parking spot available. read more
Came on a Sunday afternoon. My friend was playing some music so we came to support. The line to get food was very long, we probably waited 30 minutes to order and find seats. But food came out fairly quick. I had the chorizo chilaquiles and it was very flavorful and yummy. My drink I tried the horchata matcha, and my friend had the latte. Both were really good! They also have an assortment of pastries available, I opted for a concha. Overall was a decent experience. I would love to come back and try some of their other menu items. read more
7 months ago
Love that the raza is thriving and showing off their delicious mexican cuisine and yummy brews! The restaurant is beautiful, modern, little small but aesthetic. You'll start by getting in line, looking over the menu and order your food at the counter and give you a number where they will bring you your food at your table. We ordered both the horchata latte and matcha. We really enjoyed it, the latte was strong (which I love) and can really taste the horchata. To eat we got the red chilaquiles and huarache de pollo. Both dishes were upscaled from how they're traditionally served which was super cool to see and were bursting with flavor. Honestly, the only real downside of this place was parking. We got lucky but the parking lot only has about 6 spots reserved for the restaurant or else you'll have to find parking in the neighborhood so be prepared for that. Other than that, delicious, beautiful food, modern coffee shop, and friendly service. Would come again! read more
2 months ago
Went with a friend and got the pambazo de puerco, the chilaquiles, the horchata latte, and the piloncillo chai. The pambazo was huge and very filling. A bit bland but overall worth the price. (5/10) The chilaquiles were definitely better, but standard in terms of flavor. (5.5/10) The horchata latte tasted like a very watered down latte with no taste of horchata. The chai also tasted just like a regular chai. (4/10) Overall, would come for the food more so than the drinks. The parking is also limited. read more
10 months ago
There was a line when we got there around noon, but it moved quickly. Parking was a little limited, but not too bad. I had the puerco mole enchiladas (Olotillo Blanco Tortillas, roasted Pork, Mole Negro, Sesame seeds, arugula salad) and the mole itself was sooo flavorful -- left me wanting more! Can't wait to come back and try the huarache de pollo read more
1 year ago
I wasn't sure whether to trust the mystery Michelin men about Ema, especially since one of their other nominations felt like a Bib Gourmand at best. However, Ema did not disappoint. Everything about the experience-- from the chaotic five-way intersection right outside to the strangely small parking lot that makes you wonder where everyone managed to park-- added to the lively energy of the place. It felt hectic, but in a good way. My party, along with the group ahead of us, found ourselves multitasking while waiting in line: deciding what to order while simultaneously scanning for an open table. Fortunately, the general manager was on the floor, actively guiding recently ordered customers to available seating, which was a nice touch. The food and drinks were delightful. I ordered the chicharrones and horchata latte, while my partner had the huarache de pollo, horchata matcha, and carrot cake. Everything was excellent, and I'd definitely return to try more dishes. read more
I really wanted to love Ema. We popped in on a Saturday morning around 10am. The parking spaces are all allocated to specific businesses. The Ema spots when we arrived were all full. We waited for someone to leave and parked. Ema is self service dining. We both ordered the chilaquiles with brisket. For 16 dollars, I expected double the brisket that was on the plate. It was good, nothing special. I heard heard great things about the pastries so I got 3 donuts- strawberry corn, guava lime and pumpkin chai. They were all cake style donuts. Pumpkin chai was the clear winner. The other two were very rich and oily. The staff were fast and attentive in cleaning the tables. read more
Counter service was to the point and business like. Line was out the door- but worth it. There is about 20 parking spots but we parked on the street. Not unexpected for the area. Food was soooo good! Pumpkin seed corn dona- cake donut like texture but the earthiness of corn based dough. Pumpkin latte full of spice and not overly sweet The TACO DE ZANAHORIA (Heirloom Blue Corn Tortilla, Confit Carrot, Pumpkin Seed Salsa, Greens, Housemade Queso Fresco, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds) was amazing. I can't believe it's vegetarian. My date enjoyed the PUERCO MOLE ENCHILADAS. I'm not a mole fan so can't give an honest review lol. read more
Ema is a must-visit spot nestled in a modest building in the Houston Heights--it's easy to overlook if you're not paying attention. Fortunately, they offer a free private parking lot with a few spots, and there's plenty of free street parking nearby. The restaurant follows a counter-service model: you place your order at the front, pay upfront, and the staff brings everything to your table. High chairs are available, making it very family-friendly, which was a big plus for us. There were plenty of indoor tables, and the outdoor patio looked like a great option on a nice day. The service was excellent--friendly and efficient. The staff stayed on top of clearing empty plates, which kept our table organized and added to the relaxed atmosphere. A noteworthy highlight is that Ema has earned a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide. This recognition celebrates restaurants that deliver exceptional food at a great value, making it a significant honor. It shows that Ema is doing something truly special in terms of both quality and price. Here's what we ordered: [DRINKS] +Horchata Latté (iced) for $5.50 - I swapped whole milk for oat milk at no extra charge. - 4/5 [PASTRIES] +Guava Cheese Empanada for $5 - I arrived around 2 pm (an hour before closing), so the pastries may not have been fresh. The guava filling was unevenly distributed and gathered in one small corner. It tasted good, but it didn't live up to the hype. I'll need to try it fresh to make a fair assessment. - 3.5/5 [FOOD] +Suadero Chilaquiles (brisket, black beans, totopos, salsa roja or verde, red onions, cilantro, sunny side egg, dill sour cream, house-made queso fresco, with chorizo available on weekends) for $16 - 4.5/5 +Mushroom Tetela (mushroom carrot tinga, heirloom blue corn masa, salsa verde, dill sour cream, and duro blando cheese) for $13 - We requested a farm egg for an additional $2, but it was accidentally left off. - 4/5 The food and drinks overall were delicious, and I can definitely see myself coming back often to try more of the menu. My only real disappointment was with the guava cheese empanada, which Michelin had praised highly. While it didn't wow me this time, I suspect I just caught it at the wrong time and plan to give it another chance when it's fresh. Ema shines as a daytime restaurant that expertly blends Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Between the thoughtful menu, warm service, and welcoming atmosphere, it's clear why they've earned such high praise. Highly recommended! read more
8 months ago
Glad I finally tried Casa Ema! Didn't love the parking situation although I did notice additional parking across the street and neighborhood. Walk up order service was quick. Ordered what I came for; the chilaquiles verdes. They were OK, nothing special. They did mix up my order, I ordered suadero(beef) but they gave me chorizo(pork) instead. I'm sure If I would've addressed it they would've fixed it but I didn't notice until the end. The horchata matcha was OK, but my favorite was the papaya salad. It was unique and delicious. Open to try again but will probably order something else. read more
4 months ago
Cute little place for coffee and yummy brunch! Not much parking is the only downside, indoor and outdoor seating, coffee shop vibes, but with much better food in the typical coffee shop. All of the food was super yummy. We had the papaya salad which was really fresh and bright on a bed of yogurt and granola, saidero chilaquiles with a runny egg on top, and the mushroom tostada! Everything was five out of five would happily go there again and order the exact same thing! read more
More info about CasaEma
CasaEma Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - CasaEma
Do they take reservations for lunch?
I don't think so! You order at the counter and find a seat afterwards.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
5 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
1 year ago
11 months ago
1 year ago
11 months ago
2 years ago
CasaEma - mexican - Updated May 2026
Best of Houston
People found CasaEma by searching for…
Trending Searches in Houston, TX
Bean And Cheese Burrito near CasaEma
Chicken Caesar Wrap near CasaEma
Graduation Dinner near CasaEma
Hip New Restaurants near CasaEma
Mango Sticky Rice near CasaEma
Mexican Happy Hour near CasaEma
New Mexican Cuisine near CasaEma
Restaurants Open Late Past Midnight near CasaEma
Soft Serve Ice Cream near CasaEma
Browse Articles
Browse Nearby
BEST of Houston, Texas Restaurants near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Coffee near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Desserts near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Things to Do near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Tacos near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Cocktail Bars near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Parking near CasaEma
BEST of Houston, Texas Burrito near CasaEma
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Houston, TX
Best Bagels Available in Houston, Texas
Best Bar and Grill Experiences in Houston, Texas
Best Carne Asada Dishes in Houston, Texas
Best Dim Sum Places to Try in Houston, Texas
Best Fajitas to Try in Houston, Texas
Best Fish Tacos Served in Houston, Texas
Best Places for Brunch in Houston, Texas
Best Places for Margaritas in Houston, Texas
Best Places for Poke in Houston, Texas
Best Soul Food Dishes in Houston, Texas
Celebrate Taco Tuesday Events in Houston, Texas
Delicious Ice Cream Treats in Houston, Texas
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Houston, Texas
Discover Authentic Italian in Houston, Texas
Discover Taco Tuesday Specials Near Houston, Texas
Discover Top Mediterranean Food in Houston, Texas
Discover the Best Taco Spots in Houston, Texas
Enjoy Fast Food Favorites Across Houston, Texas
Enjoy Fresh Taco Salad in Houston, Texas
Enjoy Traditional Chilaquiles in Houston, Texas Today
Enjoy the Best Cocktails in Houston, Texas
Explore Delicious Sandwiches in Houston, Texas
Explore Delicious Vegetarian Food in Houston, Texas
Explore Popular Cocktail Bars in Houston, Texas
Explore Popular Foodie Restaurants in Houston, Texas
Explore Top-Rated Tamales Near Houston, Texas
Find Authentic Menudo in Houston, Texas
Find Authentic Mexican Food Near Houston, Texas
Find Delicious Quesadilla Options in Houston, Texas
Find Fresh Lobster Dishes in Houston, Texas
Find the Best Birria Dishes in Houston, Texas
Find the Best Breakfast Tacos in Houston, Texas
Find the Best Mariscos in Houston, Texas Today
Find the Best Taco Truck in Houston, Texas
Fresh Ceviche Options Available in Houston, Texas
Fresh Oysters Served in Houston, Texas
Great Diners to Visit in Houston, Texas
Order Fresh and Tasty Salad Options in Houston, Texas
Order Tasty Nachos in Houston, Texas Today
Order the Best Chicken Wings in Houston, Texas Today
Savor Delicious Taqueria Meals in Houston, Texas
Savor the Best Burrito Flavors in Houston, Texas
Start Your Day With Mexican Breakfast in Houston, Texas
Taste the Best American Food in Houston, Texas
Taste the Best Peruvian Food in Houston, Texas
Top Authentic Mexican Restaurants to Try in Houston, Texas
Top Carne Asada Fries Spots in Houston, Texas
Where to Find Delicious Enchiladas in Houston, Texas
People who viewed CasaEma also viewed
The Original Ninfa's Uptown Houston
329 reviews
Galleria/Uptown
$$
Mayahuel
43 reviews
River Oaks, Montrose
Puebla's Mexican Kitchen
366 reviews
The Heights
$$
Tatemó
68 reviews
Lazy Brook/Timbergrove
Candente - Museum District
623 reviews
Museum District, Montrose
$$
Tacos Doña Lena
140 reviews
Lazy Brook/Timbergrove
$$
Guadalajara Mexican Grille
586 reviews
Upper Kirby, West University
$$
Cielito Cafe
50 reviews
The Heights
Los Tios
334 reviews
Galleria/Uptown
$$
Tio Trompo
223 reviews
Washington Corridor, Rice Military, The Heights